It is recommended that the Commission approve:

Sufficient funds to accommodate the existing inspection method are included in the existing TTC's 1999 Capital and Operating Budget.

Funding for design and procurement of the larger inspection vehicle is not available in the TTC's Capital Program and because the suicide barrier is a City - initiated project, funding should be incorporated in the City's Capital Program.

The Toronto Transit Commission has been using the Ministry of Transportation's bridge inspection equipment (called a Bridgemaster) to inspect the Prince Edward Viaduct structures every two years in accordance with recommendations from the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and published MTO Standards - Ontario Structure Inspection Manual (OSIM). The TTC has paid MTO directly for the lease of the MTO Bridgemaster for the work that is related exclusively to the TTC's reinforced concrete structural deck below the roadway. In August 1997 the former Metro Transportation Department proposed using the MTO Bridgemaster for inspection of the steel portion of the bridge on a TTC/Metro shared cost basis.

In July of 1998, the TTC became aware that a large suicide barrier approximately five metres high (15 feet) was being considered for installation along the parapets of the Prince Edward Viaduct (See attached drawings #1 and #2). Staff notified City Engineers immediately of our concern that the current TTC and Metro Roads inspection methods using the MTO Bridgemaster would be precluded in the event that this barrier was constructed. We further indicated, at that time, that the easiest solution seemed to be for the City to construct the barrier out of easily removable panels so that the conventional, relatively low cost inspection methods could continue.

As technical meetings continued throughout last fall, it became apparent that the City did not wish to substantially alter the selected barrier design because it had received such a broad base of approval. Thus, at the City's request TTC staff began to investigate alternative methods of inspecting the TTC lower deck that would meet published safety and inspection standards.

Seven alternative inspection methodologies were developed in consultation with City Engineers, Derek Revington Studios (the architect whose barrier design was selected) and representatives from several Councillors' offices. The exchange of technical and cost information continued at a final meeting on March 9, 1999 where a new enlarged "Bridgemaster" was identified as having the next lowest annualized Capital and Operating costs (other than the current method without the barrier). A summary of these options, the ongoing Operating costs, the one time Capital cost and the annualized Capital and Operating Costs are included in Appendix "A". At the final meeting on March 9, it was agreed that additional funding of approximately $800,000 would be required.

The project cost is estimated to be:

DRS Barrier (Galvanized Steel) 1,500,000 *

Inspection Vehicle 800,000

2,300,000

In an effort to reduce costs the TTC has developed several alternative Barrier designs that would avoid the increased inspection vehicle cost. One concept is shown on the attached drawing #3 and the total project cost would be:

Barrier $650,000

Inspection Vehicle 0

Total $650,000

The other barrier concepts developed by TTC staff would utilize the theme and materials of the DRS barrier, would be significantly less in cost in comparison to the DRS barrier and would not require a new Bridgemaster.

The City confirmed that the new barrier could be installed by the end of December 1999 and that in the short term telephones would be installed along the bridge as an interim deterrent to suicides. TTC staff have confirmed to City Engineers that TTC will complete the 1999 inspection program prior to the start of installation on the new DRS barrier and will complete our year 2000 inspections on receipt of the new enlarged inspection vehicle later in the year 2000.

The enlarged bridge inspection vehicle option will meet the TTC's inspection requirements over the long term. The additional Capital cost to be incurred should be to the City's account because it is as a result of the suicide barrier design and the fact that it cannot accommodate our current inspection methods.

In order to meet published safety recommendations for bridge inspections, it is necessary for TTC's inspection engineers to closely inspect the underside of the TTC concrete track and steel walkway beams. Given the City's intention to construct a suicide prevention barrier, a new enlarged inspection vehicle is necessary to protect the safety and integrity of the subway system on the PEV bridge structure and the safety of human and vehicle traffic on pathways, roadways and railroads located beneath.

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March 15, 1999

6-60-59

Attachment: Appendix "A"

Drawing Nos. 1, 2 and 3

APPENDIX "A"

PRINCE EDWARD VIADUCT SUICIDE BARRIER AND TTC DECK INSPECTION OPTIONS